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most substantial portion of these characters. Sir Samuel Sarcasm is only a very ill bred old man. Dr. Dactyl, so great a fool that even a workhouse would not give him an appointment, much less a University. Wildfire is an apprentice broke loose, as indeed may be said of all the gentlemen commoners, as here represented. Major O'Gorman is an Irishman who talks against duelling; and Gradus is a Wrangler at Oxford (!!) who obtains high honours, although he cannot utter two words of common sense. The ladies are to match. The Widow Venture is one of those stage widows that Mrs. Glover has, very kindly to young authors, for years performed, varying the words a little. Miss Lilly Venture, her daughter, in the exuberance of her gaiety, mingles with a flock of young drunkards in a manner that Foote, in his comedies, only attributed to ladies of a peculiar profession. The piece pleased the audience, and for this simple reason-they were ignorant of the life and manners intended to be represented; and, therefore, seeing trencher hats and gowns, they concluded they were faithful. There were some of what are called " capital jokes," about having and not having money. There was a great deal of going in and out, of shaking hands and slapping on the back, and a glorious supper with sham champagne, and a song with a jovial chorus. There was really some very good facsimile scenery, and altogether an appearance of every-day life that is sure to delude those who go into the theatre after a pleasant dinner, and don't much care what is placed before them, so that it is not very long and prosy.

It is not desirable that the theatre or the audience should be contented with such a piece; but, as they are, we can only hope that a higher aim may present itself to the Author; and that, instead of wishing to be ranked with the Authors of Tom and Jerry, et cetera, he may discover that the Drama can afford laurels of a fresher hue and better kind. The ambition must be low that stoops to such means of notoriety. To be ranked with Terence, Molière, and Fletcher, may be, and is, a laudable desire; but to be classed with the former is to be gibbeted, not embalmed.

Critical Register of Books.
Antiquities.

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman An-
tiquities, Illustrated by numerous En-
gravings. Medium 8vo. pp. 1134. Lon-
don: Taylor and Walton.

This excellent work, which has been already favourably noticed in this periodical, as proceeding prosperously, is now completed. It does its editor, contributors, and publishers great credit, and its articles are far superior to any thing of the kind we have yet noticed in English. Among them we would especially praise an article on the Painting of the An

cients, singularly full of exact and critical information, for the most part new to the public. This dictionary, which we can conscientiously recommend to our readers, is particularly rich in illustrations derived from German and Continental authors, who have been hitherto strangely neglected in this country, though unrivalled as critical expositors of the classics. The illustrations are numerous and beautifully designed.

Educational Works, &c.

A Key to German, for Beginners; or
Progressive Exercises on the German

Language. By William Wittich,
Teacher of German in University Col-
lege. 12mo. pp. 146. London:
Taylor and Walton.

This is a key to the same author's work-" German for Beginners, or Progressive Exercises on the German Language." It merely consists of the original German, which having been translated in the Progressive Exercises, the pupil will have an opportunity of seeing how he has succeeded in his translation. This is a mode that has always been found admirably adapted to acquire a knowledge of the construction of a language.

Essays, &c.

Selected Letters. Edited by the Rev.

T. Chamberlain. Fcap. 8vo. pp. 272.
London: James Burns.

"The primary object of this selection has been to bring together a mass of sound christian advice, and opinions bearing upon the daily concerns of human life." This intention is fulfilled by making a selection from our most celebrated characters, and classifying them in the following manner:-1. On education, and entering on life; 2. On difficulties in religion; 3. On character and conduct in private life; 4 On public duties: chiefly historical.

The selection, though containing the letters of some celebrated men, does not seem to us, on the whole, very inviting or interesting. Perhaps from its adhering too closely to its purpose, and thus becoming too didactic. One of the most interesting letters is that from "St. Jerome to Læta, on the education of her daughter," and this because it contains, besides mere precepts, a graphic reflection of ancient manners, and is written in a lively and suggestive style.

Like the rest of the works published by Mr. Burns, it always creates a pleasant feeling towards the fathers and regimen of the Romish Church. The Political Works of Marcus Tullius

Cicero: comprising his Treatise on the Commonwealth, and his Treatise on the Laws, translated from the Original, with Dissertations and Notes, in two volumes. By Francis BarVOL. XCVI.

ham, Esq. 2 vols. 8vo pp. 626. London: Spettigue.

These treatises are the acknowledged master-pieces of Cicero, and all Latin eloquence, On their recovery by Cardinal Mai, from Palimpsest MSS. in the Vatican, their extraordinary merit was confessed by all European scholars. Mr. Barham's translation is so faithful, that all the lovers of Cicero who are less familiar with Latin than English will find it a delightful addition to their libraries.

Law.

An Act to amend the Acts for the Commutation of Tithes in England and Wales; and to continue the Officers appointed under the said Acts for a Time to be limited. With Notes by John Meadows White, Esq., Solicitor to the Tithe Commissioners for England and Wales. 12mo. pp. 52. London B. Fellowes.

The notes to this edition of the Act are various, and very much to the purpose. It is impossible for any one unused to legal works to interpret correctly the force of their language. Mr. White is quite aware of this fact, and has been careful to elucidate the true meaning of the law in his notes, thus rendering a service to the non-professional who may have to consult the Act itself.

The Parish Constables Act (5 & 6 Vic. cap. 109), with Notes, Forms, and Index. By William Golden Lumley, Esq., of the Middle Temple, Barristerat-Law, and one of the Assistant Secretaries of the Poor Law Commissioners. Fcp. 8vo. pp. 80. London Shaw and Sons.

The Introduction contains a clear epitome of the Act, and the notes illustrate various points of the law bearing on the subject. A copious Index is also appended, which will be found specially useful.

Medical.

The Preservation of Health, with an Account of the principal British and Continental Spas, and Watering Places. By John Harrison Curtis, Esq., Author of A Treatise on the Diseases

2 F

of the Ear." 4th edition, Fcp. 8vo. pp. 382. London: Churchill. Many persons have long desired a work, which in a small compass should supply them with the information they need respecting the medicinal virtues and chemical constituents of the various spas to be found in Great Britain and on the

Continent. This want is supplied by the work under notice, of which about two hundred pages are devoted to a careful examination of the qualities of these springs, and contain also ample directions for their use; in addition to which, the circumstances in which they respectively would prove injurious, are clearly pointed out, thus making this portion of the work valuable to the invalid.

The improvement of the metropolis, by attention to the drainage and sewerage, opening the squares and parks, and laying out new parks in the more crowded districts, and by the erection of public fountains and pumps, deservedly occupies a large portion of the book. No one who reasons rightly, and entertains any regard for the welfare of large communities, can fail to be struck with the vast importance of these points. The alterations recommended would materially improve the sanatory condition of London, and might be carried out with advantage in every large town throughout the kingdom. Passing from the consideration of the health of the community to that of the individual, we find very valuable advice with respect to exercise, clothing, diet, bathing, the causes and prevention of disease, and, finally, the injurious influence of the hours of business being too protracted. This, which is a crying evil, is one of the most dangerous to individual health, and at the same time one of the most neglected.

There are many who are not aware of the existence of numerous spas in and around London, which formerly enjoyed a high reputation in the cure of disease, but which have since, from a concurrence of fortuitous circumstances, fallen into disrepute. Mr. Curtis has collected a large amount of information with

respect to these from the olden writers, and has also made personal researches as to their qualities and uses, with which he is so satisfied that he strongly advises that they should be given a fair trial by the invalid previous to a trip to the provincial or continental springs. The work altogether forms an excellent guide to the British and Continental Spas and Watering Places, and the invalid will find it to be indispensable. On the Different Forms of Insanity, in relation to Jurisprudence; designed for the Use of Persons concerned in Legal Questions regarding Unsoundness of Mind. By James Cowles Prichard, M.D., F.R.S., &c.

12mo.

pp. 244. London: H. Baillière. The celebrity of the author is a sufficient guarantee for the accuracy of the knowledge and soundness of the sense displayed in the present treatise. The introduction tells us that "it is not offered, as it may be judged from its small extent, as a complete treatise on Jurisprudence connected with Insanity, or designed to take the ground which has been occupied with more or less of success by the writings of Pyl, Metzger, Heinroth, and Hoffbauer, in Germany; by the compilation of Chambeyron, or the works of Esquirol, Marc and Georget, in France; and by the treatises of Collinson, Dr. Conolly, Ray, and others, published in the English language. Its design is to convey to persons who either regularly or accidentally are engaged in affairs referring to lunatics, or in trials in which there is question of the sanity or insanity of individuals, such information respecting the different kinds and modifications of mental unsoundness as it may be required for them to possess, in order that they may be enabled to determine on verdicts, or to direct and instruct juries to that effect." These aims are admirably fulfilled; the language being simple and clear, and the illustrations apt and convincing. The various kinds of insanity and propensities of the unsound in mind are all brought under consideration, and reveal a weakness and amount of intellectual degradation that may well appal the strongest

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mind. The work is not only valuable to the functionaries to whom it is more particularly addressed, but also to that larger class of philosophic readers, who will consider it as an additional illustration of that history and examination of Man, which Dr. Prichard's other admirable treatises have done so much to develope.

The Diseases of the Bladder and Prostate Gland, with Plates. By William Coulson. Third Edition, revised and corrected, 8vo. London: Longman. We cannot do justice to our design of giving the public a monthly critical register of all important works of recent publication, without occasionally noticing those of a medical character. Among these, one of the most interesting to the medical profession is Mr. Coulson's learned and inclusive work on the diseases of the bladder. Written in the simplest and clearest style, remarkable alike for scientific precision and popular intelligibility, it is no wonder that this treatise has so rapidly reached its third edition. It possesses in a high degree that indispensable requisite, practicality. Every line bears on the actual matter of fact with which a surgeon ought to be intimately acquainted. Coulson's book is the result of an extensive experience, the reflection of actual familiarity with the cases of which he treats, his literature springs from his practice, as well as his practice from his literature. And when we consider the alarming frequency of urinary complaints, and their difficult complexity, and their intense obstinacy, we cannot but rejoice that a surgeon of so much talent and reputation should be directing his most earnest attention to diseases that have so often baffled the faculty, and embittered or destroyed so many valuable lives.

Mr.

The Hydropathic Cure of the Gout

By G. H. Weatherhead, M.D. pp.100.
London: Highley.

"Water is best," said Pindar in his first ode, 2000 years ago. Wise folks are now beginning to find the truth of that old gentleman's adage. Dr. Weatherhead, in this amusing and piquant little pamphlet, states that his faith in Priessnitz's hydropathic treatment is founded on his own per

sonal experience,-for, being belaboured by a most grievous attack of the malady of which he treats, he was cured by cold water in double quick time. Now, therefore, like a good philanthropist, he endeavours to impart the benefit he has himself received. Whether the Doctor charges any fees for administering the pure element, does not appear, but from analogical reasoning the affirmative may be presumed.

Natural History, &c.

The Bible Garden; containing a brief Description of all the Trees and Plants mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. By Joseph Taylor. The Illustrations selected and etched on steel, by W. H. Brooke, F.S. A. 2nd Edition, revised and corrected. Sq. 16mo. pp. 260. London: Dean and Munday.

This very pretty and well printed book gives an account, in simple and clear language, of the principal trees and plants so frequently referred to in the Scriptures. Of course the chief plants can only be described, and all scientific descriptions are avoided; such a popular description being given, as enables the general reader to understand the nature and properties of the plants. It is intended for an intelligent child; but many adults will derive a great deal of information from it. The illustrations are numerous, and for the kind of book remarkably good. Statistics of Dissent in England and Wales, from Dissenting Authorities; proving the Inefficiency of the Voluntary Principle to meet the Spiritual Wants of the Nation. 24mo. pp. 156. London: W. E. Painter.

This little book is very full of statistics, and if they may be depended upon, must be very useful in forming a judgment on the various ecclesiastical questions now agitated. However, as they have been compiled with the avowed intention of proving how small in point of numbers the dissenters are, and thence deduces the little claim their demands have on the legislature, they should be very carefully examined before they are applied.

There is no appearance of exaggeration or mis-statement on the face of the accounts, but they are interlarded with a vehement expression of opinion that continually excites the reader's fears, lest one that feels so warmly should be a false witness, almost unconsciously.

The numerous details, and facts got together, are well worth the attention of all interested in the question, and there is not any book that contains so much in so small a space. Children's Mission; or Great Works wrought by Weak Hands. Illustrated by Three Tales-The Lighthouse, the Incendiary, and Margaret Seaton's Victory. By George Waring, with Six Wood Engravings, from designs by Gilbert. Fcap. 8vo. pp. 250. London: Harvey and Darton. These three tales are very pleasingly written, and convey excellent impressions to young readers. They are interesting, and prove the author to have a competent knowledge of the life he pourtrays.

The illustrations are very prettily designed and cleverly executed. Altogether it is a book that may be put into the hands of children, not only with safety, but with the greatest advantage. It is no peculiar praise to say that it is beautifully printed, and tastefully bound, for so is every book now that issues from a respectable publisher.

Nabels, &c.

Massaniello. An Historical Romance. Edited by Horace Smith, Esq. 3 vols. post 8vo. pp. 932. London: H. Colburn.

This is a novel of a class that a few years since was exceedingly popular; but, which now has but few readers, and consequently few writers. The present specimen is not likely to re-introduce the fashion, for although it displays an accurate knowledge of its subject, and occasional powers of writing; yet it is deficient in that continuous interest that can alone give a permanent value.

There is every thing that should interest-popular tumults-individual achievements-perilous situations daring efforts-and terrible excite

ments, still there is wanting that quality in the writer that can weave these materials into a powerful story that shall enchain the attention, and kindle the sympathies.

Massaniello is the most approaching to a strong delineation of character; though there are some traits in the portraiture of his wife Ursula, that seem to bespeak a greater power on the part of the author, if more carefully exerted.

As a graphic history of the events and times, it may be read with interest, but it would have been more judicious, had the author thrown his information into a volume of the Family Library or some such series. His capacities seem be more suitable for biographical or semi-historical writing than for romance.

Percival Keene. By Captain Marryat,

Author of Peter Simple," "Jacob Faithful," &c. 3 vols. post 8vo. pp. 887. London: H. Colburn.

This novel is of that class that made Captain Marryat a popular writer. It is animated and interesting, pourtraying with great liveliness and accuracy,nautical manners and characteristics. The principal interest centres in the adventures of Percival Keene, the hero, whose mischievous frolics are related, with an enjoyment on the part of the author equal to the great originator of this class of writing, Smollett.

The story is nothing, and indeed is scarcely needed for the developement of the author's peculiar abilities, the sketching a succession of humorous scenes and circumstances being his forte. The great fault of modern fiction is, that it seems manufactured for an immediate market; to be read by the devourers of such productions, and then to be sold off to the lower-priced readers, when it gradually drops out of circulation.

To elaborate character, and condense the experience of a life into a few volumes, can hardly be expected, when so much easier a process will make a work much more popular. This it is that gives to the present work and others of the same class a flimsiness, which is styled lightness. Fielding was four years writing Tom

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